Religion feature: Program hosts orphans from eastern Europe

Editor's note: New Horizon's policy is not to release last names and exact ages of children in the program.

CNJ staff photo: Benna Sayyed

Ethan Zamora picks up his friend Bogdans (last name witheld at request of orgaqnization) Tuesday at Hillcrest Park. Bogdans recently came to Clovis from Latvia to live with Zamora's family for five weeks to experience life in the U.S.

Ethan Zamora has a language barrier with his young friend from eastern Europe, but said the two often communicate through action figures.

Zamora's friend, Bogdans, is a kindergarten-aged boy from Latvia who recently came to Clovis to live with Zamora's family for five weeks to experience family life in the U.S.

According to Zamora's mother, Heidi, Bogdans is one of five orphaned children from eastern Europe being hosted by area families through the Christian-based, international hosting ministry New Horizons.

The program offers five- to six-week summer hosting and four- to five-week winter hosting. Heidi said it strives to provide orphaned children exposure to a loving family, expose them to English language and American culture, and introduce them to Christianity. She said it also tries to connect adoptable children with families.

"I like to have someone new to play with," Ethan said.

"After the first week he went from guest mode to little brother mode. We both speak one language, which is action figures."

Ethan, 12, said he and Bogdans also like to talk about Spiderman, play chess and battleship, foot race and play tag.

"I think he teaches us how lucky we are to have all the things we have," Ethan said.

"If he gets to use a PlayStation it usually belongs to someone else."

Heidi Zamora said New Horizons has provided a valuable cultural exchange for her four children.

"My children have learned about the Russian alphabet," Heidi said.

"Bogdans has shown the kids pictures of Latvia. To see him interacting in a loving way with our kids has been most fulfilling for me."

Ethan said he will miss having a new little brother when Bogdans returns to Lativia in few weeks and would like to have Bogdans permanently live in his home.

Lance Robbins and his wife Lori have hosted two early elementary-aged boys from Latvia, Artmos and Zenya, since June 28. The Robbins live in Vega, Texas, and have three young children of their own.

"They're young and feisty like your typical boys," Robbins said.

"They keep us on our toes. It's a lot of fun teaching them English and being with them when they're experiencing new things."

Robbins said the boys are learning English quickly by participating in the family's usual activities such as eating out and summer activities such as visiting water parks and mountains.

For more information on New Horizons call 678-574-4677 or visit newhorizonsforchildren.org.